Sexual offending in groups: an evaluation

This review provides a current description of a number of contexts in which multiple perpetrator sexual offending occurs. Specifically, seven sub-categories of offences are examined under two main themes of 'rape of peers/adults' and 'multiple perpetrator offenses against children.' This is complimented by a discussion of psychological theories and factors that contribute to the understanding of multiple perpetrator sexual offenses within a multifactorial framework. Individual, sociocultural and situational levels are examined to provide an explanation for the commitment of sexual offenses with others, with particular emphasis on theories and processes of group aggression. This review provides tentative ideas to stimulate thought and further research in this area.